The holidays are here, and we're been enjoying all the seasonal eats and treats. To mix things up, we recently opened our Oktoberfest flavor kit from RawSpiceBar. Inside were 3 packages of spices to make your own German inspired dinner for the family. Of course, we cooked it all ...read more
My little guy is starting to get to the age that we've been having more playdates and planning more activities to do with friends. He's starting to become more artistic and loves to color and paint with his sister. I recently invited over some of my friends and their kiddos for a ...read more
There is something about camping that is just so much fun. Kids love it! We enjoy our family camping trips. Sleeping in tents under the stars, laughing by the campfire, catching fireflies, and eating s'mores late into the night. Not to mention being unplugged and spending good ...read more
Trying to spice up your nightly dinner menu? I've been getting spices and recipes delivered monthly to me through an awesome subscription box company called Raw Spice Bar. It's so easy to get in the habit of making the same go-to recipes over and over. I'll be honest, my menu ...read more
Kids are often full of imagination and brimming over with creativity! My daughter is always drawing and painting pictures in her sketchbook. Recently, she has gotten inspired to design outfits and had even taken to creating shirts out of paper taped together. When I stumbled upon ...read more
We've been reading to both our little ones since before they were even born. We read to them in the womb and we still read to them: board books, picture books, and, now, chapter books. We make the silly voices, we read them the same book a thousand times, and we read to them ...read more
I'm always on the hunt for snacks that are healthy, taste good, and that everyone in the family will enjoy. On a recent shopping trip, I discovered Annie Chun's Seaweed Crisps. These were intriguing! As I stood in the aisle of my local grocery store with my toddler in the cart ...read more
As a mom, I'm always on the go. Keeping everything running smoothly is a big responsibility. Now that school is back in session I'm gearing up for those back to school germs to hit. I want to be prepared. With so many things on my plate at once, I need to keep things simple and ...read more
Summer is over and we're gearing up for the back-to-school season. We've bought the book bags, shopped for a new wardrobe, and stocked up on the long list of school supplies. This summer, we've been a little more lax with our routine. That was okay for a while, but now that ...read more
While I like beer, I don't usually drink it. I'm more of a wine or cocktail kind of gal. But, recently, I've been on a beer kick and trying new beer. It happened when I discovered the delicious concoction that is chocolate beer. Yes, it's a thing and it's just as yummy as it ...read more
Recently, the Momtrends Media team (The Shopping Mama and Momtrends) got together for our yearly summit to collaborate, rejuvenate, and create some team-building memories together at Canyon Ranch in Arizona. Canyon Ranch Tucson is a luxury spa resort that offers everything from ...read more
As a photographer, my kids see me take a lot of photos - for work and fun. I like to capture the little moments, especially when we're doing fun things together as a family. Summer brings lots of awesome things: vacations, day trips and activities. I got my little photographer ...read more
Consumers today demand variety and flavor. Just stroll through the drink aisle and really pay attention the next time you're in the store. Ever since middle school I've been a big fan of Dr Pepper, and now as an adult I've discovered the breadth of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) ...read more
Over the course of parenthood, my husband and I have become more conscious of what goes in our bodies and on our skin. As a family we've become more aware of all the overly processed products we use on a daily basis and, for the sake of our health and our children's health, have ...read more
To say it's hot here in Arizona is a slight understatement. This past weekend it was 112 degrees here in Tucson and 120 in Pheonix. It's definitely shorts season around these parts! And it's not even "officially" summer yet! I usually stick to my normal jeans/jean capris/jean ...read more
All of this gorgeous sunshine and blue skies have us getting outside as much as we can. It's the perfect time for a picnic, and with summer quickly approaching, I know I'll be heading to the park for lazy days outdoors as much as I can. Whether you plan a picnic in the park ...read more
Life as a mom can be a balancing act. Between school, work and after school activities we take on a lot. Some days I barely have time to pull together the same old peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. I know my kids need healthier options, and I need something to make my ...read more
As a mother I may not have much "me time". Usually I throw my hair up in a ponytail, slap on some makeup and I'm out the door to school and 50 million other "mom" errands. When I do take some time to pamper myself, I try to find products that 1. don't take much time and 2. make ...read more
Setting up a smart home can sound a little scary. But, trust me, if I can do it (technologically challenged over here), anyone can. I've put together a Beginner's Guide to a Smart Home with #IrisbyLowe’s products. I'm sharing which products I recommend for the smart-home ...read more
Around here it's really starting to feel like spring. Warmer weather and longer days. We've even had to kick on the air conditioning a few times to cool our house down. Today is the last day of school before my daughter is on a two week spring break. I'll be honest, I've been ...read more
It's safe to say that I love drinking wine. While I have my favorite go-tos, I also like to branch out and find new favorites. I don't have the time to study and curate wines for myself though, and that's why I like wine subscription services. Wine Awesomeness is more than a ...read more
Since 1969 Sesame Street has been teaching kids their ABC's and 123's. The quirky and lovable Sesame Street characters and monsters quickly became a beloved part of many childhoods and are now iconic and synonymous with learning and fun. For Spring 2016, PUMA has partnered ...read more
Kids are naturally curious so why not engage their curiosity and encourage them to be involved in the kitchen. We know that putting a meal on the table for a family can be challenging and the last thing you want to do is take the time to have your kids help out in the kitchen. ...read more
We love taking our children to different places and having them experience cultures from around the world. While we were living overseas it was easier to travel to foreign places, but now that we're back in the USA, it's harder to expose our kids to new and exciting cultures. ...read more
Do you have luxury taste in jewelry but a budget that doesn't allow for the finer things? If you are looking for gold, sterling silver or diamond jewelry at an affordable price without sacrificing quality, you must check out all that Fancy Auctions has to offer. The luxury ...read more
A dear friend of mine just became a mama for the first time and she asked me for one solid piece of advice that might help her navigate through the early days (months, years..) of mamahood. My advice? Get baby into a routine. I never followed a schedule per say for any of my ...read more
There's nothing sweeter than my littles all curled up with their favorite stories. I love when they take to a character so much that they extend their reading into their pretend role playing activities. Olivia the Pig is a character that all three of my kiddos enjoy, especially ...read more
Moms don't have time to be sick, and we hate it when our kids are too. Let's face it, going to the doctor isn't fun for anyone. What if I told you didn't have to go anywhere? You don't even need to get out of bed. Yes, about half of doctors visits can be done online with the ...read more
It’s December and we’re hitting that middle of the school year slump. The days are shorter, the weather is colder and the holidays are right around the corner. Flu season is in full swing, and I’ll bet someone in your family probably has a cold right now as you’re reading this. ...read more
I have discovered that the older my kids get, the harder they are to shop for. Sure, the latest gadget or gaming system is usually a good bet, but we prefer something to engage, entertain and keep kids active. We've talked before about our love for Micro Kickboardscooters, but ...read more
'Tis the season to give. I had the pleasure of surprising one of my closest friends with a fun-filled day complete with a Marshalls shopping haul! Shopping, laughs and lots of good deals made for the perfect afternoon spent at Marshalls. Just perusing the bedecked aisles filled ...read more
Nothing brings warmth to a family like a beloved pet. Our four legged friend loves to be part of our daily life whether it be a playful afternoon in the yard or a quiet snuggle while we are enjoying a good read. He is sweet and cuddly and loves attention especially in the form of ...read more
Moms know that without the right tools, traveling with children can be a frustrating and daunting experience. (and I mean even a short trip running errands, am I right?) Skip Hop has been my go to brand for stylish, innovative and reliable gear since I entered motherhood. Skip ...read more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poWtXTCYKIQ What is Smart Toy? It's the next generation of play. And it's igniting, inspiring, and enlightening children in an imaginative, creative, and super-fun way. And that’s because it’s a high-tech Toy without a screen. That’s right—it’s ...read more
We've used our fair share of strollers over the past 8 years so it's pretty noteworthy when we encounter one with a brand new feature. And, friends, the GB QBit compact stroller is definitely worth your attention. While the brand name is new, GB creates products for the world’s ...read more
Halloween means one thing...F-U-N. It is a special time that is enjoyed by kids of all ages. We know we brought the trendiest and most festive looks to you from The Children's Place (Did you enter the Giveaway?) October 31 is rounding the corner and it seems from the bus stop ...read more
Trick or Treat! We love all things holiday so it should come as no surprise that we really enjoy the spirit (no pun intended!) of Halloween. Have you peeked at our Halloween Costume party yet? It is chock full of creative ideas to throw your greatest Halloween Bash yet. ...read more
Umi Shoes continues to be one of our favorite brands for kids shoes. The brand never fails to deliver high-style and high-quality shoes season after season. This fall is no exception, and, in fact, the kids are ready to step feet first into cooler fall weather in the best boots ...read more
My daughter is a pretty awesome 6-year-old girl. She'd rather cartwheel than walk. She spends her days in a make-believe world where she and her friends are fairies. Her room is overflowing with dolls and their accessories. From Saige's horse to a handmade set of doll bunk beds ...read more
The weather is getting cooler and we're starting to shop for hip and modern toddler styles for boys over here. I'm very picky when it comes to my kids' clothes. They need to be stylish, but functional and, of course, affordable. I'm loving these new fall fashions from Kardashian ...read more
How many times have you seen a beautiful room on television, or in a magazine and thought, wow, I wish I could get my space to look like that! Having a gorgeous room in your home evokes a feeling of comfort, and peace and when it is filled with beautiful prints like the ones ...read more
To celebrate National Breastfeeding Month we have brought you a series of posts to provide all nursing mamas with some of our favorite finds to make breastfeeding easier, more comfortable and stress free. Check out our Breastfeeding video all about the essentials from a seasoned ...read more
Let's get right to the point. Nobody wants to drink their calories but nobody wants to give up that good stuff either. Most of us enjoy a good glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail after the kids are in bed. But, all of those drinks can add up faster than you think over time and ...read more
Our first day of school is quickly approaching so it's time to get serious about books and supplies and everything else we need for back to school. In addition we have to stock up on school-appropriate clothes and shoes - the fun part. For shoes we are proud to partner with one ...read more
With summer fruits in abundance, we wanted to get the kiddos involved in creating a fun and colorful fruit salsa this summer. While I love having the kids help out in the kitchen, the idea of my little ones using knives scares me a little. Okay a lot. Since my kiddos are only ...read more
"Style" may not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking about school uniforms, but when putting together the style spread for our Back-to-School Guide, I knew I wanted to include uniforms. School uniforms continue to grow in popularity and many public schools now ...read more
My daughter loves any kind of crafty project you can come up with or find for her to get her hands on. When she was younger I was much better at finding things she could create and make, but as she's gotten older and I have another little one to keep me busy, we do our crafts ...read more
Radio Flyer has launched its newest custom ride: Build-A-Scooter! With more than 250 options, the custom scooter now joins Build-A-Trike, Build-A-Balance Bike and Build-A-Wagon at RadioFlyer.com. Radio Flyer is one of our favorites so we were delighted to Build-A-Scooter for ...read more
We've become Lalaloopsy crazy over here. It started with a Lalaloopsy book I picked up and once my daughter saw how cute the Lalaloopsy characters are she's been wanting a doll. We got the Lalaloopsy Stretchy Hair Doll - Whirly Stretchy Locks and she's really been enjoying ...read more
My toddler has been fascinated by his big sister's scooter since she got it for Christmas this past December. Now that it's summer and we've been spending more and more time outdoors we decided maybe it was time he got his own scooter. Little Tikes has a Lean to Turn scooter ...read more
